POTDR techniques for measurement of fiber birefringence properties

Polarization-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry techniques which are used for measurement of fiber birefringence properties are discussed. The techniques are based on the fact that evolution of backscattered field polarization is affected by fiber birefringence. The autocorrelation function of the components of the round-trip birefringence was estimated. It is found that the techniques may be useful for inspection and testing of fiber production processes, from drawing to cabling